Magnetic motor



March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS MAGNETIC MOTOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed May 21, 1946 FIG FIG. 3

FIG. 2

INVENTOR.

March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS 2,631,264

MAGNETIC MOTOR Original Filed May 21, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

%% INVENTOR.

March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS MAGNET I C MOTOR Original Filed May 21, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 w/ aw iNVENTOFQ.

March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS 2,631,264

MAGNETIC MOTOR Original Filed May 21, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. IO FIGJI 7- FIG. l2 FIGJB March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS 2,631,264

MAGNETIC MOTOR Original Filed May 21, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. I

m INVENTOR.

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March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS MAGNETIC MOTOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed May 21, 1946 TIE: E INVENTOR.

March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS 2,631,254

MAGNETIC MOTOR Original Filed May 21, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 w/ fw INVENTOR.

March 10, 1953 A. G. THOMAS MAGNETIC MOTOR 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed May 21, 1946 TIE-.IIEI

INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 10, 1953 MAGNETIC MOTOR Albert G. Thomas, Lynchburg, Va., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Kearney & Trecker Corporation, West Allis, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Substituted for abandoned application Serial No.

671,204, May 21, 1946. This application September 12, 1949, Serial No. 115,280

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to electromagnetic devices generally and particularly to electric motors and this application constitutes a substitute of my prior application, Serial No. 671,204, filed May 21, 1946.

It is often desirable to have a motor the speed of which can be accurately controlled, especially over a range of speeds. Many prior attempts to accomplish this result have been made but complicated apparatus has been required and even then the motor speed has been diificult to regulate within close limits. An object, therefore, is to provide a motor which will operate at closely regulated, predetermined speeds.

Another object is to provide a motor the speed of which can be controlled within close limits with'relatively simple apparatus.

A further object is the provision of a direct current motor the speed of which can be controlled by phase shift methods.

An additional object is the provision of a motor which can be energized from direct current lines and which can be operated as a synchronous motor at various speeds.

Another object is to provide a motor capable of operating in steps or short displacements of the rotor which may be divided into a plurality of phased sections within one stator.

A further and similar object is to provide a motor capable .of operating in steps or short displacements of the rotor, the stator of the motor being divided into a plurality of phased sections surrounding the rotor.

An additional object is to provide a motor with a plurality of sections and with a small generator or other control which can be adjusted to determine the relative phasing of the sections, or the energization of one section with respect to the energization or de-energization of a preceding section.

An additional object is the provision of a motor or position indicator, with damping means to prevent exclusive oscillation of the rotor or armature.

A further object is to provide means for energizing the sections of a step motor or other device in roper timed relationship to produce rotation or other effects.

Another object is the provision of suitable circuits for operation of the devices described.

Other objects will be evident in the specification.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a motor having a plurality of phased sections, with a commutator for each section and including, optionally, a small generator.

Figure 2 is a left end elevation of the motor shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end elevation, in part section. of a motor having one stator and a plurality of phased rotor sections.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a motor similar to that of Figure 1, and ncludin a circuit diagram.

Figure 5 is an end elevation of a motor having a make-and-break control to cause energization of the sections of the motor at proper times.

Figure 6 is a circuit diagram for controlling the motor by means of the device shown in Figure 5, and for other modifications.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary end view of a control device similar to that of Figure 5, but having an adjustable timing feature.

Figure 8 is a modified circuit diagram based upon the circuit shown in Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a front elevation of a plural section or phased motor or positioning device, with associated pneumatic, hydraulic or similar damping means.

Figure 10 is an end elevation of a motor having a plurality of sections including wound rotors.

Figure 11 is a front elevation of the motor shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is an end elevation, in part section, of a motor having one rotor and a plurality of wound stator sections surrounding the rotor.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a plural section motor and associated control circuit.

Figure 14 is a front elevation of a plural section motor or positioning device with a plurality of commutators and brushes for minimizing oscillations.

Figure 15 is an end view of a commutator and brushes shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a circuit diagram for controllin motors described.

Figure 17 is a simplified circuit diagram for controlling step or plural section motors or other devices.

Figure 18 is another circuit diagram for controlling step or plural section motors or other devices.

In Figures 1 and 2 the motor has three sections A, B, and C, having stators I, 2, and 3. respectively. These stators are preferably laminated, the laminations being held together by rivets 4. Upright 5 may be welded to base 7 and upright 6 is bolted to the base by mea of bolts 8 passing through holes in foot 9 of ing sleeves H] which surround suitable bolts upright 6. The stators are separated by s acpassing through aligned holes in the uprights and stators and which are held securely by nuts H.

Rotor shaft I2 is supported by bearings l3 and M in uprights and 6 and carries a toothed rotor for each stator section. Each stator may have the same number of teeth as its associated rotor and the stator and rotor teeth of any section may be brought into alignment although the teeth of the various stator sections are out of alignment by tooth width, or the teeth of the rotor sections are similarly displaced, as desired. The stator teeth are shown as being wound, preferably with consecutive north-south poles as indicated in order to provide short flux paths. Other windings could be used however. The stator and rotor teeth are preferably of the same width with the spacing between teeth equal to the tooth width. Three ends of the stator windings are shown as connected to lead wire Id and the other ends of the stator windings are shown at I5, I65, and H, for sections A, B, and C respectively.

Commutators IE, IS, and are suitably fastened to shaft [2 and each has the same number of bars 2| as each rotor has teeth. These bars however extend circumferentially a distance of only the circumferential width of a tooth and are spaced two tooth widths apart. Furthermore, either the bars or the associated brushes 22, 23, 24, are circumferentially displaced by tooth width from commutator to commutator.

As shown in Figure 2, the brushes are aligned and the commutators are displaced. These brushes are screwed to insulating block which is fastened to arm 26 having integral hub 21 freely rotatable on shaft I2. Arm 23 is fastened to block 25 and has a threaded hole through which screw 29 may be rotated against block 30, fixed to base I, to vary the angular position of block 25 and brushes 22, 23, 24. These brushes preferably have wedge contacts as 3| in order to make or break connection with a commutator bar or tooth quickly. Tension spring 32, attached to base I and block 25, urges the end of screw 29 against block 30 as a stop.' A suitable scale 33, and pointer 34 on screw 29, may be provided to indicate the position of the brushes. Slip ring 35 and cooperating brush 3% may be provided. This slip ring may be electrically connected to shaft l2 or directly to the commutators.

Gear 36a is fastened to the end of shaft I2 and is meshed with pinion 37 on shaft 38 of small direct current generator 39. This generator is fastened to bracket it which is bolted to upright 6.

In operation, assuming that the brushes are capable of carrying the motor current, brush 35 is connected to one line of a direct current supply by line wire 53, and conductor M is connected with the other line of the supply or source of direct current. Brushes 22, 23, and 24 are connected, respectively, to field terminal conductors IS, IS, and ll, by Wires not shown. The shaft I2 will then be revolved if the brushes are positioned properly, since the staggered commutators will cause the current to be supplied to the field coils of the three motor sections in proper order to magnetize the associated rotor teeth in order to cause revolution of the shaft.

When the rotor teeth of any section are magnetically pulled into alignment with the stator teeth of the same section, the next succeeding rotor teeth will overlap their associated stator teeth by tooth width. Therefore the motor is always in position to start and, if the commutators are of the same diameter as the rotors, the commutator bars or teeth should be as wide as the rotor teeth. Fewer bars can be used on the commutators by speeding them up relative to shaft [2, by means of gearing.

If the brushes are adjusted in position so that each succeeding motor section is energized as the rotor teeth of the preceding section are in alignment with the preceding stator teeth, then the motor will operate at maximum speed, with little if any step action. The speed of revolution of the rotors can be reduced by turning screw 29 so that the brushes are shifted to cause energization of succeeding stator sections when the rotor teeth of preceding sections have passed the aligned position so that a magnetic braking action or reverse pull acts on the preceding rotor teeth to reduce the speed thereof. The further the brushes are displaced in this direction the slower will the rotors revolve, within limits as determined by physical dimensions and electrical arrangements. The brushes can be shifted so that the rotors come to a stand-still at the end of forward swing at each energization of a field section. In testing this motor, a very definite step action at this and somewhat greater speeds was observed whereas the rotation is apparently continuous and smooth at higher speeds, say from 50 to 1000 R. P. M. or more. Even though the step or intermittent movement of the rotor is not easily visible there may be more of an effect of that kind at higher speeds than can be readily observed visually.

If the brushes are arranged so that the rotors start back swing before energization occurs the speed of the rotors will be still further reduced. It was found that the speed of this motor can be varied from a few revolutions a minute to high speed by shifting the brushes through an angle of approximately one tooth width or less.

Arm 26 insures that the brushes will be shifted at constant radius. The commutator bars are preferably staggered so that as a bar of a preceding commutator is leaving its brush the for- Ward edge of a bar of the succeeding commutator is just making contact with its brush, consider-' ing all the commutators in order.

The speed of this direct current motor can, therefore, be varied over a wide range merely by shifting the brushes a few degrees. This method of operation might be compared to phase shift control of alternating current motors, since the motor sections are phased. High losses such as the heat losses in resistors of usual types of direct current motor controls are avoided.

Advantages of the present motor are that it can be readily and efficiently controlled, that it can be operated in steps or continuously, as desired, and that it can be stopped quickly by shunting the commutator by closing switch 4| connecting the line directly to the field coils of section A. All of the fields can of course be energized to stop the rotor. If the brushes are so positioned that the rotors slow down materially between steps then the motor can be stopped without using excessive stopping current. The motor may be reversed by interchanging leads of the first and third sections.

Generator 39 may be self-exciting or separately excited as desired. The rotor of this generator is preferably driven at considerably higher speed by gear 36 than the speed of shaft l2. The operation of this generator will be described later.

In Figure 3 a phased or step motor with one stator and a rotor with three wound double pole sections of teeth, is shown. Stator 42 has teeth 43 equal in width to the inner circumferential distance between them. The stator teeth are placed uniformly around the circumference and the stator is preferably laminated. This stator is bolted or otherwise fastened to frame 44 integral with base 45. The rotor is suitably fastened to shaft 45 which may carry slip rings or commutators as shown in Figure l, for connecting the magnetizing coils shown for split rotor sections A, B, and C in proper order to a source of current.

The teeth of each rotor section A, B, and C, are equal in width to the stator teeth and are similarly spaced. Each rotor tooth is wound, with a continuous winding for each section and arranged so that each rotor tooth of a section is of opposite polarity from an adjacent tooth, as indicated. The two terminals of the winding for each section are connected to suitable slip rings (not shown) on shaft 46 so that the windings may be energized in proper order to cause rotation.

If the coils around the teeth of section A, due to being magnetized, have caused the rotor teeth of that section to be aligned with the adjacent stator teeth, then, due to the spacing between sections, the teeth of rotor section B will overlap the adjacent stator teeth by tooth width. Now if the coils of section B are energized the rotor teeth of that section will be pulled into alignment with the adjacent stator teeth so that the rotor will revolve in clockwise direction for 7 of a tooth width. The teeth of section C are so spaced that they will then overlap the adjacent stator teeth by tooth width. When section C is then energized the rotor will be similarly advanced by tooth width. Therefore if three commutators, as in Figure l, or an electronic or other distributor is employed to cause energization of the rotor sections in repeated consecutive order, the rotor and shaft 45 will be revolved. This revolution can be made to occur in steps or virtually continuously, in manner previously described.

An advantage of the construction shown in Figure 3 is that only one stator section need be used and the over-all size of the motor can be greatly reduced. This design is especially suitable for small motors since the manufacturing operation can consist largely of stamping out the various parts. Such small motors, particularly when operated in steps as position indicators or otherwise, are very useful in connection with instruments of various kinds, including radio compasses, liquid level indicators, calculating machines, and others.

In Figure 4, the motor of Figure 1 or a similar motor is shown connected with an electronic control circuit. Equivalent parts are given the same numerals as in Figures 1 and 2. The field coils of sections A, B, and C are shown dotted. These coils are connected at their ends by condoctor 14 and their other ends are connected to resistors 47, 48, and 49, respectively. These resistors lead to the anodes of the respective gaseous relay tubes 53, 5|, and 52, the cathodes of which are electrically connected by negative line wire 53, the positive line wire i 4 being connected as described.

Batteries or other potential sources 54, 55, and

tential than the bias batteries.

6. 56 are connected in series with the respective grids of tubes 56, 51 and 52 and in series with resistors 51, 58, and 59 the other ends of which are connected to the cathodes as indicated. Sources 54, 55, and 56 bias the grids negatively, normally. The cathodes are supplied energizing current by batteries or other sources 60, El, and 62.

Insulating block 63 is fastened to motor hous ing 64a, fixedly or movably, and carries springpressed brushes 36, 22, 23, 24 aligned with slip ring 35, and commutators l8, i9, and 20 which may be of the type previously described. Condenser 64 is connected between the anodes of tubes 50 and 51. Condenser 65 is connected between the anodes of tubes 5! and 52; and condenser 66 is connected between the anodes of tubes 53 and 52.

Generator 39 is driven from shaft I2, through gears 36a and 31 and is shown as having a separately excited field the current through which may be varied by means of adjustable resistor 61. The positive output terminal of the generator is connected by conductor 68 to the positive terminal of battery 69 which should have a higher po- Potentiometer 70 is connected across battery 69 and the movable contact of the potentiometer is connected to line 53 by conductor II. The negative output terminal of generator 39 is connected to brush 36 by means of conductor 14. Switch 12 is connected between conductors 68 and 14 so that the generator may be short circuited or otherwise cut out of circuit when desired.

In operating this circuit, assume first that switch 12 is closed and that generator 39 is out of mesh or is not energized. Then if brushes 22, 23, and 24 are properly positioned relative to staggered electrically connected commutators l8, I9, and 20 these brushes will distribute current to resistors 51, 58, and 53 in correct sequence to cause tubes 5B, 5], and 52 to fire or conduct in the same sequence to distribute line current to the proper sections of the motor to cause rotation thereof. The current from battery 69 will pass through switch 12, brush 35 and from the commutator bar that happens to be in contact with its associated brush at the instant of firing. Slip ring 35 and the commutator bars are electrically connected. Since battery 69 is of higher potential than bias batteries 54, 55, and 56, the current passing through resistors 51, 58, and 59 and returning through line conductor 53 will create a positive potential drop in each resistor to overcome the associated bias, at proper times. It is assumed, of course, that the potentiometer is properly adjusted. As any one tube is fired the preceding tube is extinguished by means of condensers 64, 65, 66.

This circuit is an electronic equivalent of the circuit indicated in Figure 1. The commutators distribute small curents to the grid circuits of gaseous relay tubes which in. turn control the relatively heavy field currents. It was found that the motor can be very flexibly controlled in this manner, with negligible arcing at the brushes, due to the small currents. The motor will very quickly accelerate from a low speed of say 10 to 15 R. P. M. to many hundreds of revolutions per minute or higher by shifting the brushes through only a few degrees. By closing switch 13, connected between conductor 68 and resistor 51, the tube 58 can be caused to fire constantly so that the motor can be brought to a stop within the space of one tooth width for moderate speeds.

This switch can be controlled by electronic or mechanical relay action if desired.

Another mode of operation is to open switches 12 and 13 and to energize the field of generator 39 which may have a relatively small armature which can quickly be accelerated or reversed without excessive strain. In this case the brushes should be adjusted not to control the time of firing of the tubes but merely to act as distributors to shift the grid currents to the proper tubes in correct sequence. The firing is controlled by generator 39 in conjunction with battery 69. It will be observed that the generator voltage opposes the firing voltage from battery 69. Therefore as long as the motor shaft !2 is rotating forward at sufiicient speed the generator voltage will be high enough to overcome or to reduce the net potential of battery 69 so that the current through any grid resistor is not sufiicient to provide a positive potential drop'high enough to fire the associated tube. When, however, the speed of rotation of shaft i2 is reduced sufficiently, as happens when the rotor teeth swing past alignment with the stator teeth of an energized section of the motor, then the voltage output of the generator is reduced and battery 69 causes firing of the next tube the grid circuit of which has been connected in circuit by the commutator.

The point of firing of each succeeding tube, with respect to the relative positions of the rotor and stator teeth, can be predetermined for a given load by means of battery 89 or generator 33 or both. For instance, if potentiometer it is adjusted so that the effective battery voltage is decreased, then the next succeeding tube will be fired when the rotor teeth are further displaced from the stator teeth, in forward direction, since the generator voltage output willbe less at that point. Similarly, if the effective voltage of battery 69 is increased, assuming that the firing occurred with the'rotor teeth past the associated stator teeth, then the next succeeding tube will be fired when the rotor and stator teeth are nearer in alignment, since the opposing voltage of the generator will be relatively decreased.

Therefore, by varying the setting of potentiometer E to vary the effective voltage of battery 69, or by varying the field strength of the generator, or both, the speed of rotation of the motor shaft can be smoothly controlled from a very low speed to full speed. Furthermore, the mode of operation can be varied from pronounced step action to continuous rotation as desired. The motor can be reversed by interchanging the leads of the first and third field or rotor windings by means of a suitable switch or relay, when the generator is not in circuit. When the generator is used the field current of the generator can be reversed in direction simultaneously with the interchange of the motor section connections, by means of connected relays, switches or the like. Figure 5 illustrates the construction of a maketmd-break arrangement for use with the circuit of Figure 6, in order to distribute firing pulse to the gaseous relay tubes, electronically rather than mechanically. Motor 15 is of the type described and has shaft [2 with surrounding collar 16 having attached spring clip 1'! adapted to press against shaft 12 to produce friction. Resilient brush [8 presses against metal collar 16 and is supportedon insulating block l9 attached to the motor. Collar 76 may be insulated from shaft l2 by fibre sleeve 80 and element Tl may likewise be insulated from the collar. Metal contact arm 8! is fastened to collar i6 and may strike contact 82 in forward direction or contact 83 in reverse direction. These contacts are attached to the motor frame but are insulated from it.

Now, in Figure 6, the energizing windings for the three motor sections are represented by the coils A, B, and C, connected in series with resistances 41, 48, and 49 and with interconnected condensers 64, 55, and 66, as previously described. The tubes 50, 5! and 52 are as before but the grid circuit connections are different. In this case resistances 84, 85, and 86 are connected in series with the tubes 50, 51, and 52 respectively and have a common terminal in negative line conductor 5 4a. which, in conjunction with positive line 55a, can supply currentto the motor sections.

The cathode of tube 50 is connected through resistor 93 with the positive terminal of grid bias battery 55; the cathode of tube 5| is connected through resistor 94 with the positive terminal of bias battery 56; and the cathode of tube 52 is connected through resistor 95 with the positive terminal of bias battery 54. The positive terminals of the three grid bias batteries are also connected to conductor 8'! through the condensers 88, 89, and as shown. These condensers may be shunted by high resistances of several megohms in order to prevent trapping of charges on the condensers.

Conductor Sta is connected with line 14a, to the negative terminal of battery 9i and to a terminal of condenser 92 the other terminal of which is connected to arm 8! of a single pole, double throw relay or switch having contacts 82 and 83 connected as indicated. This relay can be the same as shown in Figure 5.

It is obvious that when arm 8| touches contact 82, condenser 92 will be charged by battery 9i so that arm 8! will be positive if it is moved over to touch contact 83. When this happens condenser 92 will quickly discharge through condensers 88, 89, and 50 in a pulse, momentarily to produce potential drops across resistors 93, 94, and connected between the grid bias batteries 55, 56, and 54 and the cathodes of tubes 50, 5|, and 52 respectively. These potential drops tend to overcome the grid bias voltages to make the grids positive but are not sufiicient, of themselves to do so. If, however, any one tube is conducting, the positive potential drop across its series resistor 84, 85, or 85, as the case may be, will cancel part of the negative bias of the next succeeding tube so that the next pulse will fire that tube only. Then succeeding pulses will fire successive tubes, one at a time. This method of predisposing a tube to fire due to current traversing another tube is well known. As the tubes are fired in order, the motor sections A, B, and C are fired in sequence to cause rotation of the motor shaft.

In operation, friction between sleeve 80 and shaft I2 (Fig. 5) causes arm 81 to be pressed against contact 82 during forward rotation so that condenser92 (Fig. 6) will receive charge during that time. When, however, the rotor and shaft start backswing due to magnetic pull tending to restore alignment, then arm 8| will be quickly shifted over against contact 83 so that the condenser discharges, creating another firing pulse. By this means the motor section windings are energized in sequence at the end of forward swing of the rotor teeth or at the beginning of backswing.

Another mode of operation is to make arm 8|. resilient and to interchange the positions of contacts 82 and 83. Arm 8| would then be biased totouch contact 82 normally but would be thrown forward against contact 83 to produce a firing pulse whenever the rotor is suddenly decelerated. By regulating the tension or inertia of arm 8| the firing point could be more or less predetermined, at chosen relative positions of the rotor and stator teeth, between the aligned position and the end of forward swing.

As shown in Figure '1, the resilient arm BI could have adjustable weight 96a for varying the efiective inertia of the arm. Slip rings and brushes are shown for connecting the arm and contacts.

In Figure 8 the circuit is similar to that shown in Figure 6, like parts being given like designations. The motor section energizing coils A, B, C, and the quenching condensers 04, 65, and 66 have been moved to the cathode side of the tubes as indicated. In this circuit double pole, single throw relays D, E, and F are connected in the anode leads of tubes 50, 5|, and 52 respectively. These relays are for the purpose of improving the stability and reliability of operation of the circuit. It was found that they improve the operation. Electronic relays can of course be substituted for the mechanical relays. High resistance leaks are shown connected across condensers 88, 89, and 90. These leaks are not essential but tend to improve operation.

Relays D, E, and F have arms 96-91, 98-439, and I-IOI, respectively. Arms 96, 96, and I00 are normally not touching their adjacent contacts and are connected with contact 83. Arms 91, 99, and IOI normally touch their adjacent contacts which are connected respectively with condensers 90, 88, and 89. It is obvious from the connections shown that if, for instance, tube 50 conducts current, relay D will be energized to connect pulse contact 83 with condenser 80, through arms 96, IOI, and conductor I02. Therefore, tube I alone will be connected to receive the next pulse and when that tube fires, tube 50 is extinguished and relay E is energized to connect contact 83 to condenser 90, through arms 98, 9! and conductor I03 so that tube 52, only, will be connected for the next pulse. Similarly, when tube 52 fires tube 5| is extinguished and relay F is actuated to connect condenser 88 with contact 83, through arms I00, 90, and conductor I04 so that tube 50, only, is connected to receive the next pulse. As each relay is energized, arms 97, 99, and IOI are pulled away from their contacts, in proper order, so that isolation is maintained ahead of the next tube to be fired.

In Figure 9, motor I05 is similar to the motors described and drives pump I 06 connected to its shaft. This pump may be of any suitable type, such as a piston, gear, vane or similar kind, and is mounted on tank It! holding oil or hydraulic pump fluid of any suitable kind. Pipe I88 leads from tank I 01 to control valve I00 to which is connected pipe IIO. This pipe leads to pressure relief valve II I, which may be adjustable, and to check valve II2, connected in parallel and to pipe H3 entering pump I06. When the rotor of motor I05 is revolving in steps in forward direction, fluid will be drawn through pipe I08 and through check valve H2 into the pump I05. When the rotor reverses in direction for each step, fluid will be pumped out through pipe H3, through pressure relief valve I II and into the tank through valve I00 and pipe I08. By regulating the spring tension of valve III the degree of resistance or damping offered to the rotor on backswings can be controlled. Valved inlet I I 4 for the pump could be provided if desired. The

valves could be arranged to pass fluid in both directions, so that an orifice would limit flow to damp the motor for both forward and reverse movement.

By the means described, the oscillation of the rotor can be controlled when the motor is energized periodically to move in definite steps, as in machine tool controls, calculating machines, gun pointers, or the like. The resistance to backswing offered by the pressure relief valve can be varied until there is little if any backswing, if such correction is required. A governor or control, operated by the speed of the motor shaft, can be used to cause operation of the relief valve or other resistance-creating means during forward rotation, after. the rotor teeth have passed the aligned position with respect to the stator teeth. Oscillation can then be controlled at higher speeds, since it is not necessary to wait for backswing. The valves, preferably, should be of fast acting type. Air can be used as the fluid if desired.

In Figures 10 and 11, the motor is generally similar to that shown in Figure l but in this case the rotor is Wound. Like parts are given the same reference characters. Upright 5, how ever, is shown as bolted to base I instead of being welded. The rotors in this case are modified and are preferably laminated. The rotors are suitably mounted on shaft I2 and are similar to that for section A, as shown in Figure 10. Rotor II5 has a centrally located rectangular portion and teeth H8 and H9 at the ends of the rectangular portion. These teeth may be arranged in flared segments as indicated and all the rotor teeth for any one section, A, B, or C, can be simultaneously aligned with adjacent stator teeth I IT. The rotor teeth or stator teeth of the various sections may be staggered as previously described.

Magnetizing coils H8 are wound around the rectangular portion, on either side of shaft I2, and are preferably connected in series. These coils are wound so that teeth H6 will be magnetized with north poles when teeth I I9 are magnetized with south poles, and vice versa. The rotors for sections B and C are similarly wound.

Shaft I2 carries four insulated slip rings one of which is electrically connected with a common terminal of the three rotor windings and the other three terminals of the windings are connected to the remaining slip rings so that the windings of the three rotors can be energized in proper order through the slip rings and brushes to cause rotation in the manner described. The magnetized rotor poles will induce opposite poles in the adjacent stator teeth and the magnetic flux can return through the stator ring.

This modification can be easily assembled from stampings and the coils can be machine wound and readily placed over the rotors which may have detachable end pieces, or the coils can be wound on the rotors.

Another modification is shown in Figure 12. The stator teeth are arranged in three sections A, B, and C, held in position by ring I20 which may be integral with base I2 i. In this case there is only one rotor I22 which is mounted onshaft I23 which may be supported in bearings similarly to shaft I2, or otherwise. In this motor and in other modifications of the invention the rotors and stators are preferably made of iron or steel of good magnetic permeability such as silicon steel or the like. Similarly, the rotor and stator teeth are preferably of the same width and are separated by one tooth width so that th t th 11 may be aligned. The stator sections A, B, and C, however, are in this case so placed that when rotor teeth are aligned with the stator teeth of section A the forward edges of other rotor teeth will overlap the associated stator teeth of section B by tooth width, and other rotor teeth will be caused to overlap the stator teeth of section C by tooth width when rotor teeth are brought into alignment with the stator teeth of section B.

The stator teeth of the three sections are wound with magnetizin coils connected in series, for each section, and arranged to form alternate north and south poles for the teeth of each stator section, when the coils are energized. Therefore, when the section windings are energized in sequence, by any of the methods described, or in other suitable manner, the stator teeth poles will induce opposite poles in the rotor teeth to cause movement of the rotor step-by-step or ractically continuously as desired. Means for controlling the energization of the various section windings have been described and can be applied to this modification. This design is simple and can be readily made and assembled. Where space is at a premium the motor can be made, in this way, so that it will be relatively small.

In Figure 13, motor I24 is of the general type previously described and has three field or rotor sections supplied current in proper sequence by means of positive and negative line conductors I25 and I 26 and distributor E21 of any suitable kind, as described, and connecting wires as indicated. Gaseous relay tubes I28 and I29 have their anodes connected to the common terminal I30 of the motor windings, through resistors I3I and I32 respectively. Quenching condenser I33 is connected between the anodes to extinguish one tube when the other is fired. The cathodes of the tubes are connected to negative line I26 and the grid of tube I28 is connected to one terminal of resistance I34 through negatively biasing battery I35. Similarly, battery I36 biases the grid of tube I29 negatively and the positive pole of this battery is connected to the other terminal of resistance I34, the mid-point of which is connected to the cathodes or line I26.

Small direct current generator I31 is similar to the small generator previously described and is driven by the shaft of motor I24, through gearing or otherwise. The output conductors I38 and I39 from the generator are connected to the terminals of resistance I34 as indicated and the polarity is such that current from the generator will pass through the circuit including resistance I34 in the direction of the arrow, when the rotor of motor I24 revolves in forward direction and the current will reverse in direction when the rotor starts to swing back as during ste operation.

The flow of current through resistor I34, when the. rotor is travelling forward, will therefore create a positive bias to fire tube I28 and a negative bias to add to the negative bias of tube I29. When the rotor starts back swing, armature rotation of generator I31 will be reversed so that the current passing through resistor I34 will be reversed to apply a net positive bias to tube I29 and negative bias to tube I28. Therefore, on forward steps of the rotor, tube I28 will be conducting and on backswing tube I 29 will be conducting. Only one tube conducts at a time since when one .is fired condenser I33 is instrumental in extinguishing the other.

Variable resistor I32, or another resistor in circuit, is adjusted so that tube I29 will pass much less current than tube I28. This reduced cur rent, which is applied during backswing, can be adjusted so that there will be greatly reduced magnetic pull on backswing or virtually none at all. This will reduce the tendency to oscillate. The full magnetizing current can be passed through tube I28 to accelerate the rotor for each step and then to decelerate it after the rotor teeth pass alignment with the stator teeth but when backswing starts, the magnetic force tending to pull the rotor backward is very much reduced, or eliminated if desired. This force can be regulated to be just enough to prevent the rotor from free wheeling so that practically a periodic operation can be obtained. By means of the same general principles, it is possible to reduce the magnetic pull for forward rotation so the accelcrating force is diminished before the rotor reaches the aligned position, for each step. This prevents excessive over-travel for each step. As a further refinement, the magnetic reverse pull can then be increased automatically, after the rotor teeth pass the position of alignment.

The bias voltages, the generator output, or other factors can be varied with the load in order to time the operation of the circuit with the shifting of current to the various motor sections, in order to prevent an oscillating condition between tubes I28 and I29, or otherwise.

In Figure 14, three-section motor I40 and associated commutators MI and I42 are shown diagrammatically. Commutator I4I has electrically connected slip ring I43 and brush I44, and commutator I42 has electrically connected slip ring I45 and associated brush I46. Insulating blocks I41 and I48 have three brushes each, arranged as shown in Figure 15. The three brushes in block I41 are connected respectively to conductors A1, B1, and C1, leading to the three section winding A, B, C, of the motor which is similar to those described in this or the prior application. The common terminal of these windings is connected to conductor I49 which is adapted to be connected to one line of a preferably direct current supply. The other line I50 is connected to brushes I44 and I46.

Bracket I5I, fastened to the motor, serves as a support for the feet attached to blocks I41 and I48. These feet and blocks could, if desired, be made slidable on the bracket to bring more or less brush area in contact with the commutators, in order to vary the current supplied to the motor. Suitable resistors could be used, however. The vertical leg of the bracket is bored at I54 to be rotatable about bearing shoulder I55 attached to the motor. The brushes can therefore be shifted circumferentially and clamped in place by bolt I56, cooperating with a suitable slot in the bracket.

Commutators MI and I42 are constructed as shown in Figure 15. Conducting elements I52 of metal are imbedded in insulating disc I53 of plastic material or the like. Elements I52 are electrically connected and are spaced so that as one leaves the brush connected with conductor C1, the next element makes contact with the brush connected with conductor A1. Therefore as the elements I52 are swept under the brushes the current is distributed to the first, second, and third section windings in turn. Slip ring I43 is electrically connected with elements I52.

Commutator I42 is constructed in similar manner to commutator I41 and the brushes in block I48 are arranged similarly to-the brushes in block I41. In the commutator I42. the conduct 13 ing elements I52 need not be of the same width and spacing as the conducting elements 152 in commutator IAI. Furthermore the conducting elements of commutator or distributor I42 may be displaced or staggered with respect to the equivalent elements on commutator I4I.

Observation of Figure 12, for illustration, shows that when the rotor teeth are in alignment with the stator teeth of section A, the rotor teeth adjacent the stator teeth of section C are in position to produce reverse torque on the rotor if the field windings of section C are energized. Similarly, when the rotor teeth adjacent any field section are in alignment, energization of the windings of the third section, with respect to the first aligned section, will produce reverse or braking torque.

' -In Figure 14 the three brushes in block I l-8 are connected with conductors A B and C and are placed in the same order as the brushes connected with conductors A1, B1, and C1 respectively. Therefore, if conductor A1 is connected to conductor C the windings of section C can be energized while the windings of section A are energized. By choosing the conducting elements I52 of commutator I42 of proper width and by fastening this commutator to the motor shaft in proper phased relationship as related to commutator Itil, the windings of section C can be ener-. gizecl when the rotor teeth adjacent the stator teeth of section A are in any desired position relative to the stator teeth. For instance, section C can be energized just after the rotor teeth adjacent section A pass aligned position to exert a retarding or damping action on the rotor at that time until the end of forward stroke for each step. This damping action can be discone tinued at any position by adjusting the angular position of the brushes in block I43 or by having the brushes of trapezoidal cross section so that contact with the commutator elements I52 will be made at different phase positions. Block I48 can be shifted axially to produce this eifect, and circular shifting can alsov be employed.

. Another mode of operation is to apply the reverse torque from section C before the rotor teeth are aligned with the stator teeth of section A. The reverse torque tends to prevent over-travel or magnetic swing so that if proper adjustments are made, the rotor teeth will move into alignment with the stator teeth of section A with minimum oscillation.

Similarly, if conductor B1 is connected with conductor A and if conductor C1 is connected with conductor B then the damping or braking effect, as described, can be applied duringmagnetization of sections B and C in proper timed relationship. This construction is especially desirable when the electromagnetic device is used as a position indicator or step motor the rotor of which will move one step as one section of the windings is energized. By means of the damping described, the rate of application of the energization or pulses can be widely varied without causing erratic operation due to oscillations of the rotor.

- The circuit shown in Figure i6 is basically similar to the circuit of Figure 6 but includes isolating or buffer stages of tubes. Like components are given similar reference characters. The circuit may be considered in three stages, the timing or control stage (a) including relatively small gaseous relay tubes 50a, Ia, and 52c, connected withresistors 41a, 48a, and 49a densers 88a, 89a, and 90a, equivalent in function to condensers 88, 8 9, and 9B, are shown. Current limiting resistors in series with the grids are also shown. Battery I6 I normally biases the grids of tubes 59a, 5 la, and 52a negatively. Other components function as described in connection with Figure 6.

Buffer stage (b) includes high vacuum tubes I51, I58, and I59 the grids of which may be made more negative by pulses through condensers 88b. 89b, and 991) or by producing potential drops across resistors H51), 5311, and SM), respectively. The grids are normally negatively biased by battery I68. Condensers 88b, 39b, and 90?) are respectively connected to the anodes of tubes 50a, 5Ia, and 52a so that when each tube fires or conducts current, the potential drop across its connected resistor 4m, 4801, or 4%, will produce a sudden negative charge on the grid of tube I51, I53, or i59. These pulses will be transferred to make the grids of tubes 50, 5|, and 52 positive at proper times, through condensers 88, 39, and 90, connected to the anodes of tubes I51, I58, and I59 as shown.

The connections of section (c) are equivalent to the circuit diagram of Figure 6, the windings A, B, and C representing the motor section windings. Tubes 59, 5!, and 52 may be of relatively large size to carry heavy motor currents. The negative line I4 is connected to all the groups (a), (b), and (c) as shown. While the timing group (a) and buifer group (b) controlling the power group of tubes (0) are not essential, it was found that stability is often improved with this arrangement.

Pulse geneatcr tube I62 may comprise a small gaseous relay tube having the anode connected to negative line I4 and its cathode I65 to condensers 83a, 89a, and Gila, by means of conductor I63. The positive terminal of battery I66 is connected to the anode of tube I62 through resistor I61, a portion of which is shunted by condenser I68. The negative terminal of battery IE6 is connected to cathode I65 which is also connected with one blade of double pole, double throw switch I69. The other blade of the switch is connected with grid I54. One pair of switch contacts I10 are connected with the output of sine wave or other oscillator I12 which may be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy by means of conductors 513. This oscillator may be of standard or known type and has dial I1 which can be rotated with reference to fixed mark I15 to provide calibrated frequency of output. If desired, the dial may be marked in revolutions per minute of the motor, considering the number of poles and the number of sections of the motor.

In using the circuit shown, in connection with a three'section step motor of the type described, it was noted that the motor operates synchronously with the pulses supplied from tube I62; The frequency of these pulses is determined by the output frequency of oscillator I12. Therefore, if dial I14 is calibrated for speed, the motorcan be run at any constant speed within the accuracy of the oscillator, by merely setting the dial at the speed desired. By means of crystal control or other means, the oscillator can be made to provide quite accurate frequencies. Furthermore, a plurality of crystals of different frequency can be connected in the grid circuit of the oscillator, either singly or in groups, to produce various frequencies corresponding to the natural frequency of each crystal or corresponding to group or beatv frequencies. The dial I14 can be: con r 1e c te d withnav suitable, rotary or others-witch so that it connects a different crystal or group in circuit, for each speed indication.

Direct current generator 39, driven by the motor as indicated in Figure 4, has its output terminals connected through opposed battery 69 to contacts. I?! of switch I89. When oscillator I12 is to be used the switch is connected with contacts I10 and when generator 39 is to be used the switch blades are made to engage contacts I1I. In that case the operation of the generator is as previously described, a charging pulse being applied to the grid of pulse tube I62 when the potential from battery 69 overcomes the opposing generator potential. The pulses from tube I62 then fire tubes 59a, 5Ia, and 52a, and consequently tubes 58, 5|, and 52, in proper order to cause rotation of the motor. By varying the field of the generator, the voltage of battery 69, or the bias of grid I68, the phasing or points of energization of the motor windings canvbe predetermined.

In Figure 17 the circuit is similar to that of Figure 6 but the pulses in conductors 81 and 980. are produced by potential drops across resistor I16 which is connected in series with gaseous relay tube I11 the grid of which may be connected with the cathode. Variable condenser I18 is connected across resistor I18 and tube I11 and the anode of the tube is connected to the positive terminal of battery or other source I19 through adjustable resistor I80. The negative terminal of battery I19 is connected to the low potential end of resistor I16 and to condenser I18 as shown. This constitutes a relaxation circuit since condenser I18 will be charged through resistor I89 until the firing potential of tube I11 is reached at which time current will be fed through the tube and resistor I16 until the condenser voltage drops below the firing potential. Tube I11 will then extinguish and the condenser will be charged again through resistor I98 until the firing potential is again reached. The cycle therefore is repeated at a rate dependent upon the capacitance of condenser I18, the voltage of battery I19, and

the resistance of element I80. Any of these com ponents may be varied to alter the frequency of the cyclic change. Therefore the pulse frequency, derived from the potential drop across resistor I16, can be applied to the grids of tubes 50, 5|, and 52, in proper order as previously described, so that the field sections A, B, and C, will be energized at any desired frequency within the limits of operation of the circuit. Condenser I18 or one of the other variables may be calibrated in frequency, or revolutions per minute of the motor.

In Figure 18, the circuit is similar to that of Figures 6 and 17 but additional means are provided to form a self timing or pulsing circuit. Like components are designated similarly as before. Gaseous relay tubes I8I, I82, and I83 have their anodes connected to terminals of resistors I84, I85, and I86, respectively. The other terminals of these resistors are connected to the positive terminals of bias batteries 54, 55, and 56, respectively, and to the cathodes of tubes 50, 5|, and 52 through variable resistors I81, I88, and I89 as indicated. The cathodes of tubes I8I, I82, and I83 are connected to negative line I I. These tubes may have hot wire cathodes. Variable condensers I90, I9I, and I92 are connected between the movable contacts of resistors I81, I88, and I89 and line conductor I8 as shown.

In operation, assume that tube 50 fires first so that current passes through resistor 84. This provides a charging potential for condenser I90 through timing resistor I81. When the poten- 16 tial of this condenser reaches the firing potential of tube I8I this tube will conduct current and the potential drop across resistor I84 and the tube will be applied to the grid of tube 5| to overcome the negative bias of battery 55 so that tube 5| will fire. When this happens tube 50 will be extinguished by means of condenser 64. When tube 5| passes current through resistor 85, the potential drop across this resistor similarly causes tube I82 to fire after a time interval as determined by the adjustment of resistor I88, or condenser I9I, or both. When tube I82 fires the potential drop across resistor I85 and tube I82 is applied to the grid of tube 52 to fire that tube, which through condenser 65, extinguishes tube 5|. Similarly, the firing of tube I83 fires tube 50, after an interval determined by the adjustment of resistor I89 or condenser I92, and when tube 50 fires, tube 52 is extinguished by means of condenser 66.

Therefore, by varying the resistors I81, I88, and I89, or condensers I90, I9I, I92, the tubes 50, 5|, and 52 can be automatically fired at predetermined intervals so that the motor sections A, B, and C are energized in proper sequence to cause rotation of the rotor. The condensers I90, I9I, and I92, or resistors I81, I88, and I89 may be ganged so that they can be varied simultaneously by means of one adjusting control. The condensers or resistors or the common control can be calibrated in any desired manner. It should be noted that when each tube 50, 5|, or 52, is extinguished, the driving potential for tube I8I, I82, or I83 is eliminated. This prevents undesired oscillations. This circuit has advantages of simplicity, reliability and ease of adjustment.

Many other modifications of the electromagnetic device can be easily made by changing de tails, rearranging parts, or combining components of one modificaton with those of another, without departing from the principles of the invention.

The relaxation circuit comprising tube I11, resistor I80, potential source I19, condenser I18, and optionally resistor I16, may be connected between line 53 and brush 36 (Figure 1) so that the relaxation or other current interrupter I11a. will time the energization of the field sections, and commutators I8, I9, and 20 will distribute the current to the sections in consecutive order to cause rotation. In this way only one tube need be used.

When it is desired to stop any of the motors described, a heavy stopping current, as compared to normal running current, can be applied to one or more sections to lock the rotor magnetically. For instance, switch 4| (Fig. 1) can be closed so that line resistor 4Ia is shunted. Likewise, in Figure 18, one of the tubes I28 or I29 can be made to carry a normal operating current and the other can be arranged, by means of reduced series resistance, to carry a much heavier braking or stopping current which can be applied by bridging distributor I21 and applying a positive bias to the tube adapted to carry the heavy current. These operations may be done simultaneously by means of relays or the like. Since, ordinarily, the stopping current is appplied for a short time only, it can be quite large as compared to the normal or running current. It is obvious that in Figures 3 and 12, the rotors shown could be fixed and the stators could be made to revolve.

In the claims the word rotor can be interpreted to mean one single rotor or a group rotor said teeth, and means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order; said means including electron discharge tubes and relays .connected therewith so that the energization of any one tube biases the succeeding :ztllbe for subsequent energization initiated .by a

.pulse and inactivates the other said tubes to isolate one tube at a time electrically and means :ior producing initiating pulses .to be appliedito said tubes.

2. In an electromagnetic device, a rotor ,and an associated stator one'of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of igmu s.cfmagnetizablera sstseids pspip i;being positionally ph sed lfespeet tp said teeth, and means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order; said magnetizing means including a plurality of electronic tubes and an associated buffer group of electronic tubes to cause firing of said first named tubes, an electronic counting circuit associated with said bufier tubes to cause operation thereof in sequence in accordance with the operation of said counting circuit, a pulsing tube to actuate said counting circuit, and means for timing the operation of said pulsing tube.

3. In an electromagnetic device, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said teeth, and means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order, said means including an electronic counting circuit and an associated electronic relaxation circuit to time the operation of said counting circuit by applying repeated pulses thereto generated by said relaxation circuit.

4. In an electromagnetic device, in combination, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said teeth, means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order, said magnetizing means including a plurality of electronic tubes connected in a counting circuit so that current fiow through any one tube biases the next succeeding tube for operation as a result of application of the next pulse, and pulsing means to cause said tubes to conduct current in predetermined order, said pulsing means being responsive to movement of said rotor.

5. In an electromagnetic device, in combination, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said teeth, means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order, and including means for applying to at least one saider im QR0l$ increa d ne n tie with respect the ine ne i aii .q t e t s reduce the rate of rotation of said rdtor'.

6. In an electrpmagnetic devicIin combination, a rotor and an associated stator one "er which has a plurality of substantially evenly s ac ma e iz b t ih and h other d lii h ha a plurality cf rou s 9 magn b poles, sa d gr s p ole being p si n l phases with respect to said teeth m eans for magnetizing said groups of poles predetermined' ordef, and ipclnding means for applying "tofat least bri said gras o P919 q e z ae et afi with respect to themagnetization of othrgroups .to stop saidrotor. H

n a ele tr ma n t c de i in co t n 2191 91 an a a s ciat a i has a plura ty f subs a l "e e space ma netiza l i ee ,and h et i which has a plurality'ofgroups of magnetizable ci aid .s u s 9 Rd f 'g sit na plias r th res ect t said... iii; ite ni rmi ten l .ma r tieiii said $91 9 1 9 5 edetermined girde af ai iqip fi revolution proportionate to the number or sai'd teeth and" including means forreducing" tlie magnetization of said groups of poles intermittently at said frequency at predetermined speeds of said rotor.

8. In an electromagnetic device, in combination, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said teeth, means for intermittently magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order, at a frequency per rotor revolution proportionate to the number of said teeth and including means for reducing the magnetization of said groups of poles intermittently at said frequency at predetermined speeds of said rotor, said reducing means including a pair of interconnected electronic tubes and a generator controlling operation of said tubes, said generator being driven by said rotor.

9. In an electromagnetic device, a stator having a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth, an associated rotor having a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said stator teeth, the poles of any said group being adjacent and included within one segment of said rotor, and means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order,

10. In an electromagnetic device, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles, said groups of poles being positionally phased with respect to said teeth, means for magnetizing said groups of poles in predetermined order, fluid damping means directly connected with said rotor for damping rotation thereof, said fluid damping means including means for causing greater damping action for one direction of rotor movement than for the opposite direction of movement thereof.

11. In an electromagnetic device, in combination, a rotor and an associated stator one of which has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced magnetizable teeth and the other of which has a plurality of groups of magnetizable poles,

.ing applied continuously until said rotor is stopped.

13. The device as set forth in claim 11, said means for varying the degree of said pole magnetization including a slipping contact switch operated by movement of said rotor.

14. The device as set forth in claim 11, said means for varying the degree of said pole magnetization including commutator means and associated brush means, and means for adjusting netization including electronic tube means, and

means operated by said rotor for varying the current passed through said tube means.

16. The device as set forth in claim 11, said means for varying the degree of said pole magnetization including electronic tube means, and a generator driven by said rotor for controlling current flow through said tube means.

ALBERT G. THOMAS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 7 Name Date 1,408,758 Meyer Mar. 7, 1922 1,440,729 French Jan. 2, 1923 1,867,925 Ruben July 19, 1932 1,872,313 Masterson Aug. 16, 1932 2,249,029 Mullerheim July 15, 1941 2,321,699 O'Brien June 15, 1943 2,481,172 Staggs Sept. 6, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 474,859 Great Britain Nov. 9, 1937 746,276 France Mar. 7,1933 

